Retail card application

ABSTRACT

An application platform configurable for processing a plurality of retail-branded credit cards is provided. Embodiments include a configurable front end comprising a graphical user interface layer that is configurable to a specific one of a plurality of retail-branded credit cards, a backend layer comprising credit card functionality for directly performing credit card transactions associated with a specific one of the plurality of retail-branded credit cards and a location service coupled with said front end and coupled with said backend for determining location information associated with a user of said specific one of said plurality of retail-branded credit cards.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED U.S. APPLICATION

This application claims priority to and is a continuation-in-part of thecopending patent application Ser. No. 14/515,853, Attorney docket numberADS-080 entitled “Retail Card Application,” with filing date of Oct. 16,2014, assigned to the assignee of the present application and herebyincorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

When a consumer approaches a point of sale, the consumer may not havetheir payment mechanism (e.g. cash, credit card, store gift card) readyand in hand. For example, the consumer may have misplaced his/her creditcard or have trouble finding the credit card in his/her wallet or purse,etc.

Additionally, a user may be purchasing items at a store in which theuser has a private label credit card. By using such card, the user maygain additional benefits, points, offers, or other promotions uponpurchasing the items.

A company or brand may have various offers (e.g., clearance, discounts,incentives, etc.) that they would like to make to consumers. However,the company or brand may not be able to effectively or personallyprovide the offers to the consumer in a very direct, immediate and “inthe moment” way.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form a part ofthis specification, illustrate various embodiments and, together withthe Description of Embodiments, serve to explain principles discussedbelow. The drawings referred to in this brief description of thedrawings should not be understood as being drawn to scale unlessspecifically noted.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram that illustrates an embodiment of a device andpayment system in accordance with one embodiment.

FIG. 2A illustrates an embodiment of device displaying a mobile paymentcard in accordance with one embodiment.

FIG. 2B illustrates an embodiment of device displaying a mobile paymentcard in accordance with one embodiment.

FIG. 3 depicts a device moving through a retail store in accordance withone embodiment.

FIG. 4 depicts a plurality of retail brands serviced by a payment systemin accordance with one embodiment.

FIG. 5 depicts a retail card application system in accordance with oneembodiment.

FIG. 6 is a flow diagram of a method for applying for credit inaccordance with one embodiment.

FIG. 7 depicts a flow diagram of using a retail card application inaccordance with one embodiment.

FIG. 8 depicts a block diagram of an exemplary computer system inaccordance with one embodiment.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Reference will now be made in detail to various embodiments, examples ofwhich are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. While variousembodiments are discussed herein, it will be understood that they arenot intended to be limiting. On the contrary, the presented embodimentsare intended to cover alternatives, modifications and equivalents, whichmay be included within the spirit and scope the various embodiments asdefined by the appended claims. Furthermore, in this Description ofEmbodiments, numerous specific details are set forth in order to providea thorough understanding. However, embodiments may be practiced withoutone or more of these specific details. In other instances, well knownmethods, procedures, components, and circuits have not been described indetail as not to unnecessarily obscure aspects of the describedembodiments.

Notation and Nomenclature

Unless specifically stated otherwise as apparent from the followingdiscussions, it is appreciated that throughout the present Descriptionof Embodiments, discussions utilizing terms such as “identifying,”“receiving,” “downloading,” “accessing,” “using,” “activating,”“managing,” “making,” “displaying,” “generating,” “recording,”“reporting,” “using,” “capturing,” “sending,” “updating,” or the like,often (but not always) refer to the actions and processes of a computersystem or similar electronic computing device such as, but not limitedto, a portable electronic device, a display unit, an application, aninformation management system, a payment system, an analytics engine, apoint of service (POS) device, a micro location device, a wirelesstransceiver or component thereof.

The electronic computing device manipulates and transforms datarepresented as physical (electronic) quantities within the electroniccomputing device's processors, registers, and/or memories into otherdata similarly represented as physical quantities within the electroniccomputing device's memories, registers and/or other such informationstorage, processing, transmission, or/or display components of theelectronic computing device or other electronic computing device(s),

Embodiments described provide a retail card application that can be usedto replace any plastic credit card. In one embodiment, a downloadableapplication is provided. The application enables a user to makepurchases and manage a credit account via the application. In oneembodiment, the application represents a virtual credit card.

In one embodiment, the application represents a retail branded creditcard or a private label credit card. In general, a private label creditcard is branded for a specific retailer, independent dealer ormanufacturer. In some instances, a credit card processor system mayprocess credit card transactions for a number of different retailbranded card types.

For example, if the retailer does not manage the private label card, athird-party issues the cards and collects the payments from cardholders.Typically, terms and conditions for private label credit cards are madeby contracts between the retailer and the third party. A retailer thatprovides the private label credit cards provides various incentives,offers, and advantages to its customers which results in a moresatisfied customer and/or increased sales. In one embodiment, mobilepayment card is branded according to store.

In one embodiment, to accommodate different retail brands, the paymentprocessing system may want to provide a configurable application thatcan be easily modified according to a brand's preferences. In oneembodiment, a configurable application is provided. In one embodiment,the bulk of the backend operating components of the application isgeneric and a custom or configurable front end is provided that can becustom tailored for a particular brand.

In one embodiment, the application facilitates the transaction phase,meaning the application provides a user interface for making creditaccount transactions, such as purchases, managing account preferences,managing account rewards programs, buying virtual gift cards, managingpromotions, managing information driven enhancements and managinglocation based loyalty offers.

The result is an application that is easily modified from a basicchassis to give the appearance that the brand has generated a completelycustomized mobile payment system. This allows the payment processor toprovide a unique and custom looking front end payment applicationwithout needing to completely develop an application from scratch. Thebulk of the application components can be used across different brandsand a custom user interface makes the application seem unique to thatbrand.

FIG. 1 depicts a block diagram that illustrates an embodiment of system100. System 100 includes device 110 that is used by a person located atstore 105. Device 110 is configured to be communicatively coupled withpayment system 160, analytics engine 170 and/or micro location device190, which will be described in further detail below.

Device 110 includes display 120 that is able to display mobile paymentcard 122. Display 120, in one embodiment, is a touch screen, such that auser is able to interact with displayed features on the touch screen.

Device 110 may be a mobile device such as a smart phone, tablet, etc.

Device 110 includes operating system 125. In one embodiment, device 110is an Apple iPhone™ (e.g., iPhone 4+ which includes, but not is notlimited to, iPhone 4, 4S, 5, 5S and 5C). In such an embodiment,operating system 125 is an iOS 7+ operating system. The iOS 7 operatingsystem is a mobile operating system developed and distributed by AppleInc.

In another embodiment, device 110 is an Android mobile device becauseoperating system 125 is an Android mobile operating system.

Operating system 125 includes an option (e.g., on/off) as to whether ornot to allow automatic Bluetooth (or Bluetooth low energy (LE))connection with device 110. In general, Bluetooth is a wirelesstechnology standard for exchanging data over short distances (e.g.,using short-wavelength radio waves in the ISM band from 2.4 to 2.485GHz) from fixed and/or mobile devices.

In one embodiment, operating system 125 includes an ON default settingthat automatically enables device 110 to have a Bluetooth connectionwith other devices. As a result, device 110 will automatically accept aBluetooth invitation from other devices.

For example, micro location device 190 transmits a Bluetooth invitationvia wireless transceiver 192. If device 110 is in range of thetransmitted Bluetooth invitation, then device 110 automatically sends amessage back to micro location device 190 via wireless transceiver 150to accept the Bluetooth invitation. Accordingly, there is an automaticBluetooth connection between device 110 and micro location device 190.

Micro location device 190 is any device that is configured to becommunicatively coupled with device 110. For example, micro locationdevice 190 is a NFC enabled device.

In one embodiment, micro location device 190 is an iBeacon™, which is anindoor positioning system from Apple Inc. For example, the iBeacon is alow-powered, low-cost transmitter that can notify nearby iOS 7 (and/orAndroid) devices of their presence.

Additionally, a user's mobile app (e.g., application 140) can be enabledto look for the transmission of micro location device 190 (or any othermicro location devices). When device 110 is within physical proximity tothe micro location device and detects it, the application can notify thecustomer of location-relevant content, promotions, and offers which willbe described in further detail below.

Mobile payment card 122 can be any digital payment card that is able tobe displayed on display 120 and utilized for purchases. In oneembodiment, mobile payment card 122 is implemented via application 140.That is, application 140 (e.g., a mobile application) is downloaded ontodevice 110. When a user of device 110 selects application 140 to beutilized, processor 130 executes application 140 such that mobilepayment card 122 is displayed on display 120. In another embodiment,mobile payment card 122 is supported by being downloaded over theInternet

In one embodiment, mobile payment card 122 is a mobile credit card or adigital credit card. That is, the mobile payment card 122 is anelectronic or digital version of a physical credit card. Mobile paymentcard 122 can also be referred to as mobile virtual credit card. In oneembodiment, the mobile payment card 122 is a payment card directlyassociated with the store 105, such as a retail-branded credit card thatcan only be used to make purchases at stores with the same brand asstore 105. In one embodiment, the issuer of mobile payment card 122 isthe store 105.

In general, a credit card is issued to users or consumers as a system ofpayment. It allows the cardholder to pay for goods and services based onthe holder's promise to pay for them. The issuer of the card creates arevolving account and grants a line of credit to the consumer (or theuser) from which the user can borrow money for payment to a merchant oras a cash advance to the user.

In one embodiment, mobile payment card 122 is a branded private labelcredit card. In general, a private label credit card is branded for aspecific retailer, independent dealer or manufacturer. If the retailerdoes not manage the private label card, a third-party issues the cardsand collects the payments from cardholders. Typically, terms andconditions for private label credit cards are made by contracts betweenthe retailer and the third party.

A retailer that provides the private label credit cards provides variousincentives, offers, and advantages to its customers which results in amore satisfied customer and/or increased sales. In one embodiment,mobile payment card 122 is branded according to store 105.

In various embodiments, mobile payment card 122 may be a mobile debitcard, mobile cash card, mobile gift card, etc.

Mobile payment card 122 includes account information 124. Accountinformation 124 can include, but is not limited to, name of user,buffing address, account number, account balance/limit, card providerinformation, etc.

In one embodiment, account information is optically machine readableinformation. Optically machine readable information is any machinereadable (or scanable) information that is able to be displayed ondisplay 120 that enables access to or information related to useraccount 162 of payment system 160.

The optically machine readable information can be displayed in the formof a bar code (1D, 2D), quick response (QR) code, matrix code, etc.

In another embodiment, account information is the account number. Forexample, the consumer's account number is displayed.

In various embodiments, access to or information related to user account162 may be accomplished by various means, such as, but not limited to,audio signals, Bluetooth low energy (LE), near field communication(NFC), etc.

Payment system 160 is any payment entity or mechanism that allows forpurchases based on mobile payment card 122. For example, payment system160 is an entity that issued mobile payment card 122 such as a bank, acorporation, etc. In one embodiment, payment system 160 processes retailbranded credit card transactions for a plurality of different brands.

In various embodiments, store 105 is a store or location with goodsand/or services for sale. In one example, store 105 is abusiness/corporation such as Target™, Victoria Secret™, REI™, Gap™, etc.It is appreciated that the store 105 could be a virtual store, such asan online shopping store.

While at store 105, the customer is in possession of device 110.Moreover, the customer has a user account 162 associated with store 105.For example, a customer enters a Target™ store with the intention toperuse items for sale and potentially purchase items at store 105. Thecustomer also has a Target™ private label credit card.

More specifically, application 140 is provided by store 105. Forexample, application 140 is a mobile application provided by Target™.

As such, application 140 enables mobile payment card 122 (e.g., avirtual credit card) to be displayed or surfaced on display 120 ofdevice 110, which will be described in further detail below.

Micro location device 190 is at or in proximity to point of sale (POS)180. When the customer approaches the point of sale (POS), such as aregister, with items for purchase, device 110 enters the range of themicro location device 190. For example, micro location device 190transmits (e.g., broadcasts) a Bluetooth invitation having a range(e.g., 12-36 inches). Once in the micro location device's range, device110 receives the Bluetooth (e.g., Bluetooth LE) invitation from microlocation device 190. In response, device 110 sends a signal back tomicro location device 190 via wireless transceiver 150. As a result,micro location device 190 is able to recognize various informationassociated with device 110 (e.g., phone ID, etc.) and a connection ismade between device 110 and micro location device 190.

Additionally, in response to device 110 entering in the range of microlocation device 190 and a connection between device 110 and microlocation device 190, the consumer is prompted via display 120 if theywould like mobile payment card 122 and/or account information 124 to bedisplayed (or surfaced). In one embodiment, micro location device 190transmits instructions to device 110 to initiate the prompt to theconsumer (e.g., the user of device 110).

A specific Micro location device could be program/set up “anywhere”within the retailer's store to trigger via Bluetooth LTE the opening ofthe “mobile payment card” and thus replacing the existing securityrequirements of ID/Password resulting in a more timely and user friendlyconsumer interaction between the merchant and the consumer's mobilepayment card. This also allows mobile payments to be transactedwhere/when the consumer wishes to purchase within the retail storealleviating fixed POS.

If the consumer accepts, then mobile payment card 122 is displayed ondisplay 120. Accordingly, mobile payment card 122 is readily displayedand available to the consumer for immediate purchase of goods/servicesat POS 180.

In one embodiment, account information 124 is displayed in the form ofoptically machine readable information (e.g., 2D barcode). As such, anoptical scanner (e,g., bar code reader) at POS 180 is able to scan theaccount information for purchase of the goods/services.

In another embodiment, account information 124 is the account number. Assuch, the account number is read from display 120 and entered at POS 180for purchase of the goods/services.

In one embodiment, authentication or security credentials are requiredprior to display of account information 124. The authentication/securitycredentials can be but are not limited to a PIN, finger/thumb print,voice command, etc. In one example, a user is prompted to enter a 4digit PIN. In response In the correct PIN entered, account information124 is displayed.

FIGS. 2A and 2B depict embodiment s of mobile payment card 210 displayedon a mobile device. Mobile payment card 210 includes optically machinereadable information 124 (i.e., QR code) and may include an animateddigital watermark 126.

During use, at the point of sale, the user of the mobile device shows amerchant mobile payment card 210 that is displayed on the touch screen.The merchant will be able to see animated digital watermark 126 anddetermine that mobile payment card 210 is authentic. Additionally, inresponse to animated digital watermark 126 being touched (e.g., by theuser or merchant) message 230 is displayed, as depicted in FIG. 2B.

Message 230 can be information/message that provides visual evidencethat the displayed mobile payment card 210 is not a fraudulent capturedvideo of the authentic mobile payment card.

FIG. 3 depicts an embodiment of a block diagram of a consumer inpossession of device 110 waking within store 105. Once the consumerenters store 105, device 110 is connected to one or more of microlocation devices 190, 191 and 192. Although three micro location devicesare depicted, any number of micro location devices may be employedwithin store 105 and communicating with device 110.

In response to device 110 being connected with a micro location device,various user information associated with the user of device 110 may beobtained. The information may be stored in database 172. The informationcan be information provided by the user (e.g., name, birthday, address,age, number of children, etc.). The information may be provided viaapplication 140 or during initiation of user account 162.

The user associated information may be any information derived fromprevious transactions or any other obtained information from variousmeans. More specifically, analytics engine 170 may gather any dataassociated with the user and analyze such data and generate userassociated information. For example, a user may typically purchase itemstowards the end of the month or on his wife's birthday. Accordingly,analytics engine generate information regarding the user that the useris inclined to purchase other items towards the end of the month or onnear his wife's birthday.

Additionally, analytics engine 170 may analyze information fromthousands of other users and generate purchasing patterns and apply suchpatterns and analysis to other users. Such information is stored indatabase 172. In one embodiment, the analytics engine 170 may accesslocation information about the user from sources other than from microlocation devices 191 and 192 or beacon 190. For example, analyticsengine 170 may access location information from a gps device associatedwith the user's mobile device. This location information can be used togenerate location specific ads or offers that can be provided to theuser.

Analytics engine 170 may be a part of customer loyalty program. Forexample, analytics engine 180 facilitates in the execution a scalableplan to enhance marketing and customer engagement strategies. Also,engine may facilitate growing a business through data-driven loyalty andmarketing solutions.

More specifically, for example, the information provided by analyticsengine 170 indicates that the consumer in possession of device 110 haswife whose birthday is in two days. Therefore it can be presumed thatthe consumer has high likelihood to be influence-able to purchase anitem at store 105.

The employees of store 105 (or sales associates) are provided theconsumer's information. For example, the information may be displayed onmobile devices in possession of the store employees.

Various discounts and incentives to drive offers to consumers may bederived from the values generated by the analytics engine. For example,a promotion may be provided to the consumer for all women's apparelbecause his wife's soon to be birthday. The promotion may be displayedon display 120.

Referring to FIG. 3, micro location devices 190, 191 and 192 may beutilized to determine the location of the consumer via the connectionbetween the device and the micro location devices. That is, the microlocation devices may use various methods to determine the location ofthe consumer within store 105. For example, the system of micro locationdevices may use triangulation to determine the exact location of thedevice. In particular, the device transmits signals to the microlocation devices. The micro location devices can determine the anglesand distance with respect to the device and determine the location ofthe device within store 105. Location information can also be gatheredfrom other sources, such as a gps device associated with te user'smobile device.

The micro location devices are able to track the consumer while theconsumer walks along path 111 throughout the store. For example, theconsumer stops at location A to look at merchandise 182 for a durationof time, then moves along path 111 to location B to look at merchandise183 for a duration of time, and so on.

While in store 105, the consumer is prompted via device 110 that offersare available. For example, an offers button is displayed on display120. If the user accepts the offers then various offers are displayed tothe user.

More specifically, offers are provided to the consumer that relate tothe consumer's particular location. For example, while the consumer isat location A, looking at merchandise 182, a promotion or sale formerchandise 182 is provided to the consumer via device 110. Similarly,while consumer is at location A, looking at merchandise 183, a promotionor sale for merchandise 183 is provided to the consumer via device 110.

In another embodiment, consumer has a history of buying a particularitem (e.g., brown sweaters) within merchandise 182. This information isprovided via analytics engine 170. Accordingly, a promotion for brownsweaters is provided on display 120 while the consumer is at location182 in the immediate proximity to brown sweaters.

In general, embodiments described herein include a system that providesoffers to a consumer based on consumer location within the store and/orprevious consumer actions (e.g., previous purchases, previous paths instore, etc.).

As described above, the system of micro location devices can track thepath of the consumer via device 110. Analytics engine 170 can access theconsumer's locations and tracked path and correlate the information withvarious other consumer related information. As a result, additionalanalytical information can be generated that is based on the location ofthe consumer. This information can be utilized as a conversion tool.

In particular, the locations that the consumer stops is determined(e.g., location A and location B). Additionally, the consumer's path 111is tracked by the micro location devices and the information is providedto analytics engine 170.

In some embodiments, the consumer's location is determined by the microlocation devices within 12 inches of the consumer's actual location.

In one example, a user is prompted via display 120 that he/she willreceive 500 loyalty points if the consumer agrees to being trackedwithin store 105. As such, in response to accepting the invitation, theconsumer receives the additional loyalty points.

Information may be correlated with the consumer's location to increaseconversion. Such information can be, but is not limited to, amountpurchased, number of trips to store, shopping on web, etc.

FIG. 4 shows a diagram of a single payment system 160 servicing aplurality of retail brands 405A, 405B and 405C. Retail brand 405A has anassociated store 105A Retail brand 405B has an associated store 105B.Retail brand 405C has an associated store 105C. Embodiments describedprovide a configurable retail card application that can be used acrossdifferent brands with the appearance that each of the brands has aunique mobile credit application. For example, a generic back end of theretail credit card application can be used to service credit cardtransactions from retail brands 405A, 405B and 405C while a configurablefront end is customized according to each brand.

FIG. 5 shows a retail credit card application 500 comprising a back endlayer 510, configurable front ends layers 510A and 5108 and locationservice 199. It is appreciated that the number of configurable front endlayers is unlimited. It is also appreciated that there could be anynumber of back end layers 510. The location service 199 compileslocation information about a user so that targeted rewards offers can beprovided to the user to provide information driven enhancement of auser's experience.

In one embodiment, application platform 500 processes a plurality ofretail-branded credit cards. The application platform 500 includes aconfigurable front end (510A and 510B) comprising a graphical userinterface layer (515A and 515B) that is configurable to a specific oneof the plurality of retail-branded credit card. In one embodiment, thefront end layer is configured according to the retail brand cardspecifications 520A and 520B.

The application platform 500 also includes backend layer 510 comprisingcredit card functionality (payment system 160) for directly performingcredit card transactions associated with the specific one of theplurality of retail-branded credit cards. The payment system 160includes user account information 162 used for processing credit-basedtransactions.

In one embodiment, the backend directly performs credit cardtransactions associated with all of the plurality of retail-brandedcredit cards. In this example, the payment system 160 processescredit-based transactions associated with more than one retail brand.

In one embodiment, the front end layer 510A includes a downloadableportion 122A and 122B for installation on devices associated with users,wherein the downloadable portion can be used directly for approvingcredit issuance to the user. In this example, a downloadable applicationcan be used to apply for credit. In another embodiment, a user maymanage account information related to a line of credit at a retail branddirectly from the application.

In one embodiment, the front end 510A provides location specificpromotional ads to the user based on location information associatedwith user. In one embodiment, promotional offers are presented on theuser interface 515A and 515B. In one embodiment, the location service199 facilitates location based shopping enhancement by providinglocation specific offers and loyalty rewards. In one embodiment, theloyalty rewards module 188 uses account information in combination withlocation information to drive location based rewards offers to users.

In one embodiment, the front end provides reward points to the user inresponse to the user completing a transaction using a specific one of aplurality of retail-branded credit cards 520A and 520B.

In one embodiment, the front end provides a payment interface thatenables the user to pay a bill associated with a specific one of theplurality of retail-branded credit cards. The payment may be processedvia payment system 160.

In one embodiment, the front end provides a mobile receipt associated atransaction using a specific one of the plurality of retail-brandedcredit cards to the user. In one embodiment, the user account 162 storestransaction receipts in a form that can be provided to the user on GUI515A and 515B.

In one embodiment, the front end provides a gift card store front thatenables a user to purchase a gift card using a specific one of theplurality of retail-branded credit cards. In one embodiment, a gift cardcan be purchased in the name of the gift recipient and the recipientwill receive a virtual credit card in their name.

In another embodiment, the application 505A can be used directly forcreating a credit account for a user. In another embodiment, thedownloadable portion 505A can be used directly for using earned creditcard rewards points associated with a user. In another embodiment, thedownloadable portion 505A can be used directly for buying items at astore associated with the specific one of the plurality ofretail-branded credit cards. In one embodiment, the downloadable portion505A can be used directly for receiving promotions associated with thespecific one of the plurality of retail-branded credit cards.

Example Methods of Operation

The following discussion sets forth in detail the operation of someexample methods of operation of embodiments. With reference to FIGS. 6and 7, flow diagrams 600 and 700 illustrate example procedures used byvarious embodiments. Flow diagrams 600 and 700 include some proceduresthat, in various embodiments, are carried out by a computer, such ascomputer system 802 of FIG. 8 described below. The computer having aprocessor under the control of computer-readable and computer-executableinstructions. In this fashion, procedures described herein and inconjunction with flow diagrams 600 and 700 are, or may be, implementedusing a computer, in various embodiments. The computer-readable andcomputer-executable instructions can reside in any tangible computerreadable storage media. Some non-limiting examples of tangible computerreadable storage media include random access memory, read only memory,magnetic disks, solid state drives/“disks,” and optical disks, any orall of which may be employed with computer environments (e.g. device110, payment system 150, etc.).

The computer-readable and computer-executable instructions, which resideon tangible computer readable storage media, are used to control oroperate in conjunction with, for example, one or some combination ofprocessors of the computer environments. It is appreciated that theprocessor(s) may be physical or virtual or some combination (it shouldalso be appreciated that a virtual processor is implemented on physicalhardware). Although specific procedures are disclosed in flow diagrams600 and 700, such procedures are examples. That is, embodiments are wellsuited to performing various other procedures or variations of theprocedures recited in flow diagrams 600 and 700. Likewise, in someembodiments, the procedures in flow diagrams 600 and 700 may beperformed in an order different than presented and/or not all of theprocedures described in one or more of these flow diagrams may beperformed. It is further appreciated that procedures described in flowdiagrams 600 and 700 may be implemented in hardware, or a combination ofhardware with firmware and/or software.

FIG. 6 shows a flow diagram of an exemplary method 600 for applying forcredit on a mobile device in accordance with an embodiment. The methodof applying for credit on a mobile device includes at 610 accessing anapplication form for entering user information needed for a user toapply for credit for one of the plurality of retail-branded creditcards. In one embodiment, the credit application form is accessed at amobile device, such as device 110.

At 620, method 600 includes receiving approval of credit from the one ofthe plurality of retail-branded credit cards, the approval including aninvitation to download a retail credit card application. In oneembodiment, a downloadable retail credit card application is onlyavailable to users that have successfully applied for credit and havebeen approved for credit by a retail brand.

At 630, method 600 includes downloading the retail credit cardapplication on a mobile device associated with the user. In oneembodiment, the application is downloaded from an online applicationstore. In one embodiment, a fee is charged for downloading theapplication.

At 640, method 600 includes using the retail credit card application tomake a purchase at a retail outlet associated with the one of theplurality of retail-branded credit cards. In one embodiment, thepurchase is made at a physical retail store. In another embodiment, thepurchase is made through an online shopping site.

At 645, method 600 includes receiving user specific loyalty rewardsprovided to the user on the mobile device. In one embodiment, theloyalty rewards are location specific and users are presented withoffers based on their location. In another embodiment, the rewards aresituational based, such as offering a coupon upon the completion of apurchase.

At 650, method 600 includes activating a credit card account tied to theuser using the retail card application on the mobile device associatedwith the user. In one embodiment, new card activation can beaccomplished by a user using the mobile retail card application. In thisway, approval, issuance and activation can all be performed via device110. In one embodiment, the rewards offers are presented in response tothe activation of the card performed in 650.

At 660, method 600 includes managing an account and can include suchactivities as managing earned credit card rewards points associated witha user using the retail credit card application, receiving promotionalinformation associated with the one of the plurality of retail-brandedcredit cards, making a payment for a purchase at the retail outletassociated with the one of the plurality of retail-branded credit cardsusing the retail credit card application.

In one embodiment, 660 can include account activities such as paying abill, redeeming rewards points, purchasing a gift card, managing accountinformation, managing mobile receipts, etc.

FIG. 7 shows a flow diagram of an exemplary method 700 for using anapplication-based credit card on a mobile device in accordance with anembodiment.

At 710, method 700 includes downloading a retail-branded credit cardapplication on a mobile device associated with a user.

At 720, method 700 includes displaying a mobile payment card on adisplay screen of the mobile device, wherein the mobile payment card islinked to a payment system for processing transactions associated with aplurality of different retail-brand credit cards.

At 730, method 700 includes using the mobile payment card on the mobiledevice to make a purchase at a retail outlet associated with the one ofthe plurality of different retail-brand credit cards.

At 735, method 700 includes receiving loyalty promotion in response tomaking the purchase. In one embodiment, the loyalty promotion islocation based.

At 740, method 700 includes displaying optically machine-readableinformation for access to an account associated with the user.

At 750, method 700 includes accessing an application form for enteringuser information needed for a user to apply for credit for one of theplurality of different retail-brand credit cards.

At 760, method 700 includes displaying approval of credit from the oneof the plurality of different retail-brand credit cards.

At 770, method 700 includes account management and may includeactivities such as activating a credit card account associated with auser using the retail card application on the mobile device associatedwith the user, managing earned credit card rewards points associatedwith the user using the retail credit card application, receivingpromotional information associated with the one of the plurality ofretail-branded credit cards using the retail credit card application,making a payment for a purchase using the retail credit cardapplication.

In one embodiment, 770 includes initiating a communication with the uservia their electronic device. In one embodiment, the communication mayinclude offers and loyalty rewards that can be personalized for the userbased on transaction history and may be based on location informationassociated with the user.

With reference now to FIG. 8, all or portions of some embodimentsdescribed herein are composed of computer-readable andcomputer-executable instructions that reside, for example, incomputer-usable/computer-readable storage media of a computer system.That is, FIG. 8 illustrates one example of a type of computer system(computer 802 of FIG. 1) that can be used in accordance with or toimplement various embodiments which are discussed herein. It isappreciated that computer system 802 of FIG. 8 is only an example andthat embodiments as described herein can operate on or within a numberof different computer systems including, but not limited to, generalpurpose networked computer systems, embedded computer systems, serverdevices, various intermediate devices/nodes, stand alone computersystems, handheld computer systems, multi-media devices, and the like.

Computer system 802 of FIG. 8 is well adapted to having peripheralcomputer-readable storage media 802 such as, for example, a floppy disk,a compact disc, digital versatile disc, universal serial bus “thumb”drive, removable memory card, and the like coupled thereto.

Computer system 802 of FIG. 8 includes an address/data bus 804 forcommunicating information, and a processor 806A coupled to bus 804 forprocessing information and instructions. As depicted in FIG. 8, computersystem 802 is also well suited to a multi-processor environment in whicha plurality of processors 806A, 806B, and 806C are present. Conversely,computer system 802 is also well suited to having a single processorsuch as, for example, processor 806A Processors 806A, 806B, and 806C maybe any of various types of microprocessors. Computer system 802 alsoincludes data storage features such as a computer usable volatile memory808, e.g., random access memory (RAM), coupled to bus 804 for storinginformation and instructions for processors 806A, 806B, and 806C.

Computer system 802 also includes computer usable non-volatile memory810, e.g., read only memory (ROM), and coupled to bus 804 for storingstatic information and instructions for processors 806A, 806B, and 806C.Also present in computer system 802 is a data storage unit 812 (e.g., amagnetic or optical disk and disk drive) coupled to bus 804 for storinginformation and instructions. Computer system 802 also includes anoptional alphanumeric input device 814 including alphanumeric andfunction keys coupled to bus 804 for communicating information andcommand selections to processor 806A or processors 806A, 806B, and 806C.

Computer system 802 also includes an optional cursor control device 816coupled to bus 804 for communicating user input information and commandselections to processor 806A or processors 806A, 806B, and 806C. In oneembodiment, computer system 802 also includes an optional display device818 coupled to bus 804 for displaying information.

Referring still to FIG. 8, optional display device 818 of FIG. 8 may bea liquid crystal device, cathode ray tube, plasma display device,projector, or other display device suitable for creating graphic imagesand alphanumeric characters recognizable to a user. Optional cursorcontrol device 816 allows the computer user to dynamically signal themovement of a visible symbol (cursor) on a display screen of displaydevice 818 and indicate user selections of selectable items displayed ondisplay device 818. Many implementations of cursor control device 816are known in the art including a trackball, mouse, touch pad, joystickor special keys on alphanumeric input device 814 capable of signalingmovement of a given direction or manner of displacement. In anotherembodiment, a motion sensing device (not shown) can detect movement of ahandheld computer system.

Examples of a motion sensing device in accordance with variousembodiments include, but are not limited to, gyroscopes, accelerometers,tilt-sensors, or the like. Alternatively, it will be appreciated that acursor can be directed and/or activated via input from alphanumericinput device 814 using special keys and key sequence commands. Computersystem 802 is also well suited to having a cursor directed by othermeans such as, for example, voice commands. In another embodiment,display device 818 comprises a touch screen display which can detectcontact upon its surface and interpret this event as a command. Computersystem 802 also includes an I/O device 820 for coupling computer system802 with external entities. For example, in one embodiment, I/O device820 is a modem for enabling wired or wireless communications betweensystem 802 and an external network such as, but not limited to, theInternet.

Referring still to FIG. 8, various other components are depicted forcomputer system 802. Specifically, when present, an operating system822, applications 824, modules 826, and data 828 are shown as typicallyresiding in one or some combination of computer usable volatile memory808 (e.g., RAM), computer usable non-volatile memory 810 (e.g., ROM),and data storage unit 812. In some embodiments, all or portions ofvarious embodiments described herein are stored, for example, as anapplication 824 and/or module 826 in memory locations within RAM 808,computer-readable storage media within data storage unit 812, peripheralcomputer-readable storage media 802, and/or other tangiblecomputer-readable storage media.

Example embodiments of the subject matter are thus described. Althoughvarious embodiments of the have been described in a language specific tostructural features and/or methodological acts, it is to be understoodthat the appended claims are not necessarily limited to the specificfeatures or acts described above. Rather, the specific features and actsdescribed above are disclosed as example forms of implementing theclaims and their equivalents. Moreover, examples and embodimentsdescribed herein may be implemented alone or in various combinationswith one another.

1. An application platform configurable for processing a plurality ofretail-branded credit cards comprising: a configurable front endcomprising a graphical user interface layer that configurable to aspecific one of said plurality of retail-branded credit cards; a backendlayer comprising credit card functionality for directly performingcredit card transactions associated with said specific one of saidplurality of retail-branded credit cards; and a location service coupledwith said front end and coupled with said backend for determininglocation information associated with a user of said specific one of saidplurality of retail-branded credit cards.
 2. The application platform ofclaim 1 wherein front end provides location specific promotional ads tosaid user based on said location information associated with said user.3. The application platform of claim 1 wherein front end provides rewardpoints to said user in response to said user completing a transactionusing said specific one of said plurality of retail-branded creditcards.
 4. The application platform of claim 1 wherein front end providesa payment interface that enables said user to pay a bill associated withsaid specific one of said plurality of retail-branded credit cards. 5.The application platform of claim 1 wherein front end provides a mobilereceipt associated a transaction using said specific one of saidplurality of retail-branded credit cards to said user.
 6. Theapplication platform of claim 1 wherein front end provides a gift cardstore front that enables said user to purchase a gift card using saidspecific one of said plurality of retail-branded credit cards.
 7. Theapplication platform of claim 1 further comprising: a downloadableportion for installation on a device associated with a user, whereinsaid downloadable portion can be used directly for approving creditissuance to said user.
 8. The application platform of claim 1 furthercomprising: a downloadable portion for installation on a deviceassociated with a user, wherein said downloadable portion can be useddirectly for creating a credit account for said user.
 9. The applicationplatform of claim 1 further comprising; a downloadable portion forinstallation on a device associated with a user, wherein saiddownloadable portion can be used directly for using earned credit cardrewards points associated with said user.
 10. The application platformof claim 1 further comprising: a downloadable portion for installationon a device associated with a user, wherein said downloadable portioncan be used directly for buying items at a store associated with saidspecific one of said plurality of retail-branded credit cards.
 11. Theapplication platform of claim 1 further comprising: a downloadableportion for installation on a device associated with a user, whereinsaid downloadable portion can be used directly for receiving promotionsassociated with said specific one of said plurality of retail-brandedcredit cards.
 12. A method of applying for credit on a mobile devicecomprising: accessing an application form for entering user informationneeded for a user to apply for credit for one of said plurality ofretail-branded credit cards; receiving approval of credit from said oneof said plurality of retail-branded credit cards, said approvalincluding an invitation to download a retail credit card application;downloading said retail credit card application on a mobile deviceassociated with said user; using said retail credit card application tomake a purchase at a retail outlet associated with said one of saidplurality of retail-branded credit cards; and receiving user specificloyalty rewards provided to said user on said mobile device.
 13. Themethod of claim 12 further comprising: using said loyalty reward pointsassociated with said one of said plurality of retail-branded creditcards to make said purchase from said mobile device.
 14. The method ofclaim 12 further comprising: making a mobile payment associated withsaid purchase from said mobile device.
 15. The method of claim 12further comprising: purchasing a gift card using said one of saidplurality of retail-branded credit cards from said mobile device. 16.The method of claim 12 further comprising: accessing a mobile receiptassociated with said purchase from said mobile device.
 17. The method ofclaim 12 further comprising: activating a credit card account tied tosaid user using said retail card application on said mobile deviceassociated with said user.
 18. The method of claim 12 furthercomprising: managing earned credit card rewards points associated withsaid user using said retail credit card application.
 19. The method ofclaim 12 further comprising: receiving promotional informationassociated with said one of said plurality of retail-branded creditcards using said retail credit card application.
 20. Acomputer-implemented method for mobile credit-based purchases, saidmethod comprising: downloading a retail-branded credit card applicationon a mobile device associated with a user; displaying a mobile paymentcard on a display screen of said mobile device, wherein said mobilepayment card is linked to a payment system for processing transactionsassociated with a plurality of different retail-brand credit cards;using said mobile payment card on said mobile device to make a purchaseat a retail outlet associated with said one of said plurality ofdifferent retail-brand credit cards; and receiving loyalty promotion inresponse to making said purchase.
 21. The computer-implemented method ofclaim 20 wherein said loyalty promotion is selected based on a locationof said user.
 22. The computer-implemented method of claim 20 furthercomprising: displaying optically machine-readable information for accessto an account associated with said user.
 23. The computer-implementedmethod of claim 20 further comprising: accessing an application form forentering user information needed for a user to apply for credit for oneof said plurality of different retail-brand credit cards.
 24. Thecomputer-implemented method of claim 20 further comprising: displayingapproval of credit from said one of said plurality of differentretail-brand credit cards.
 25. The computer-implemented method of claim20 further comprising: activating a credit card account associated withsaid user using said retail card application on said mobile deviceassociated with said user.
 26. The computer-implemented method of claim20 further comprising: managing earned credit card rewards pointsassociated with said user using said retail credit card application. 27.The computer-implemented method of claim 20 further comprising: making apayment for said purchase using said retail credit card application.